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Starting up an older computer you find hiding at the back of a closet is quite exciting, but it can also leave you feeling frustrated. A Windows XP computer without the appropriate drivers can’t connect to the Internet. Ethernet ports are unlikely to respond if the system relies on a controller for the service, while the same is true for on-board wireless cards or even old-fashioned modems. Most users turn to the Internet to hunt down the drivers they need. If you are stuck with a computer that can’t access the web due to a missing network driver, try one of these four tricks for getting back into the loop.

Using Another Computer

Accessing another computer that you have downloading privileges on is the easiest and fastest way to solve your driver problems. This could be a friend’s laptop, a work computer without limited access, or another PC in the home. The computer you use to download the drivers doesn’t necessarily need to use the Windows XP system. You can use a Windows 7 or 8 device, even a tablet if it has built-in or flash storage, to retrieve the files and transfer them to the older system in need of help.Just be sure you know where you are downloading the driver files so you can find them for the transfer. Remember to download network driver files appropriate to the Windows XP computer and not the ones recommended for the system you are borrowing for the download.

Once you have your driver files ready to go, use a transfer medium to get them on the disconnect computer. A USB flash drive is the best option for most users because it is simple and works with systems of all kinds. Driver files are rarely larger than a few megabytes, so a one gigabyte drive will hold hundreds of files. A blank CD also works, but it is a waste of space to burn an entire disc just for one small network driver. Double-male USB cables are available to create a continuous link between two systems for file transfer without the internet or a local network. However, many users report problems with these cables when the two computers have different operating systems.

Try The Boot CD

It’s not always possible to borrow another computer for the recovery work. Hunting down a copy of the original boot CD for the system may give you a chance to load crucial system drivers like the network support files. Take care not to accidentally reinstall your operating system when using a boot CD. Navigate to options for restoring or repairing drivers and consider making a backup of your files before trying this method. Boot CDs are far less likely to contain the files you need than a system recovery disc, so look for that kind of support software first in the original paperwork provided by the manufacturer. This method will only work for hardware that came with the system – later additions require their own installation CDs.

You may be able to prevent the loss of network driver files by making your own boot CD with your driver files before doing a fresh install to deal with a virus or other problem. Selective backup of your network files aids the recovery process when you won’t have access to the Internet. Using a program to build install packages from your drivers or collecting the download files before going offline ensures you can save the files for both original and aftermarket hardware at the same time. Don’t wipe your hard drives until you have a plan for restoring the drivers after the system is recovered.

Invest In New Equipment

Working with outdated network cards or wi-fi adapters makes it even harder to get the driver files you need when you can’t get online. Ordering a new piece of equipment means you get a fresh driver installation. However, you will need to verify that any PCI cards or USB devices include drivers compatible with Windows XP. Many newer models only support Windows 7 and up. Plug and play devices designed to work with generic drivers give you the highest chance of success without further installation or download issues.

Contact Customer Support

Finally, don’t forget to contact the customer support line of the manufacturer of both the computer itself and the network device. If you are struggling to locate older drivers for a Linksys wireless card, a few minutes on the phone could mean an installation CD is on its way to you. Some manufacturers will happily provide these discs for free or a small fee to cover shipping. It is often possible to locate drivers that are no longer available for download by getting in contact with customer support. Get in touch with your IT administrator if you are experiencing these kinds of problems with a piece of leased or company loaned equipment – they can get direct resources from the manufacturer to solve the issue.

Waiting for a disc from the support team will still take much longer than buying a new device locally or using a friend’s computer. The support line may also be automated and offer no help with drivers, advising you to visit the website instead. In these cases, you will need to choose another option.

A Quick Guide To Determining Which Drivers You Need

Opening the Device Manager is the fastest way to find out if your computer needs new network drivers.

Navigate to the Desktop on your Windows XP computer. Right click the My Computer icon found there, and select the Properties option. Select the Hardware tab at the top, towards the right.

Click on the Device Manager button at the top. Let the list of hardware load, then look for any immediate caution signs in the form of yellow warning icons. Look for the Network Adapters heading and click on the plus sign next to it to see all of the devices installed on the computer.

If you are only finding generic listings for your Ethernet or wireless devices, you may need to consult your owner’s manual or call customer service to find out what the computer contains.

An Internet connection is important when installing or updating device drivers. You may not always have an installation CD, and replacements and updates are distributed by manufacturers through the web. So what do you do when the network adapter or Ethernet card itself doesn’t work because you don’t have the right driver for it?

Fortunately there are tools like 3DP Net for such cases. This is a program that can detect the exact model of network adapter in your system and install the latest or most suitable driver for the specific device. The notable feature of this software tool is that you can execute the update offline because it already contains drivers for most of the common network device models and brands from Adaptec to Zenith.

This latest version of 3DP Net is 11.05 released last May 27, 2011. It is compatible with Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008. Besides including driver updates for more types of network adapters, this latest version now has Portuguese language support.

Click here to get this easier method of updating your system’s network drivers.

Wireless connectivity just got faster and more reliable with NETGEAR Wireless USB Adapter. MA111 is powered by USB 1.1 and connects your device to a hotspot over any 802.11b network with an automatic rate fallback, letting you move without your connection being interrupted. There is no need for Ethernet cable setup or opening the cover of your PC to receive connection — just plug the adapter to your device’s USB port and connectivity of up to 11 Mbps is secured.

MA111 is pre-configured to work with other Netgear devices, and it works with Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, and XP. An 128-bit encryption is also integrated to protect the user’s privacy.

Download the latest driver update for Netgear MA111 Wireless USB Adapter here. Version 2.5 was released May 2, 2011.

The WG511v2 is one of Netgear’s wireless network adapter products in the Wireless-G line. This particular model is designed in the PC card form factor which means it is typically plugged into the PCMCIA slots in laptops to provide it with wireless network connectivity. This device is naturally based on the IEEE 802.11 or Wi-Fi standard, as it is more commonly known. The WG511v2 can deliver a data transfer rate of 54 Mbps which is about 5 times faster than the speed of 802.11b type networks usually set up in residential and commercial hotspots.

This particular driver update is version 3.1.1.7 released April 29, 2011. New features included in this update are support for Windows Vista and permission to install/uninstall the driver even for non-administrator accounts. It is meant for systems running on Windows 98, ME, 2000, 2003, Windows NT, XP, Vista, and Windows 7. In terms of hardware compatibility, the PC must be Pentium class and carry a 32-bit card bus slot. This was updated April 29, 2011.

If you’re a frequent computer user, chances are you use the internet for at least half the time, and are connected to some type of network all of the time. Given how dependent almost all computer users are on the internet and networking, it’s completely understandable just how frustrating it can be whenever your ethernet controller or network card refuses to function properly. It’s bad enough if you just use the internet for entertainment and information, but it’s an absolute emergency if your business relies on being able to access the web.

An Issue of Age

Part of your problem may be your operating system. If you’re still running Windows XP, as almost half of the world’s internet users still are, then you might have come face to face with the problem of every old operating system: its built-in drivers have simply become too outmoded for the latest generation of devices and peripherals that can be installed on a PC. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go through the potentially traumatic experience of switching operating systems just yet. Here are a few things you can do to keep your ethernet controller – and other new devices Windows XP compatible.

Checking for Compatibility and Updates

Windows XP’s large user base has prompted Microsoft to continue providing support for it even after two successors have been released. This means that a large majority of the devices out there should still be compatible. To be absolutely certain, one of the first things you should do before you purchase a device for your PC is to check and see if it is on Microsoft’s extensive list of devices supported by Windows XP. The entire catalog can be found here, and is constantly updated to reflect newly released hardware.

If the device you’ve purchased is on the list yet still won’t work with your Windows XP system, then the trouble might be with your version of the OS. Microsoft periodically releases updates for Windows XP in order to keep it safe from security threats and to keep it abreast of the latest technological developments as well, including drivers for the newest peripherals. That’s why it’s always a good idea to update your version of Windows XP before attempting to install any new hardware. You can visit this site in order to download the latest updates.

Finding the Right Drivers

If you’ve tried all of the above and your ethernet card still won’t work, then you might have an issue with the manufacturer’s drivers. These are usually bundled on a disc along with the device, but sometimes, the version of the driver included may be outdated or completely wrong altogether. In cases like these, you’ll need to search for the right drivers for your ethernet controller, which is usually available for download on the manufacturer’s website.

You’ll need to make sure that you get the right version for your OS, as the drivers could differ depending on which specific version of Windows you’re running. If you’re not entirely sure how to do this, then don’t worry about doing it on your own. We recommend that you download our Driver Scan Tool to ensure that the drivers you are using are compatible with your system. This should make finding and installing the right drivers for your ethernet card a whole lot simpler.

The Netlistener OPC-Server is a simple utility program that monitors your network status. It shows status data on devices within the network via ICMP, SNMP. This program allows the server to monitor the activity of the device and provides the CPU load data as an OPC variable. Furthermore, it indicates the CPU load of the host computer.

Netlistener can also help you detect Ethernet errors beforehand. It provides a transparent Ethernet that allows you to manage different network loads and applications as well as the network status. It also offers easy integration to your HMI through OPC and lets you program your own network management applications in your PLS.

If you need to update your network monitoring software, Netlistener OPC-Server 2.23 (October 1, 2010) is available for download on this site. It comes with a free trial version, but you can buy this for $254.84 only. This software update works best on computers running on Windows 2000, Windows NT and Windows XP.

The Realtek RTL Gigabit and Fast Ethernet NIC Driver (Windows 2000/XP/XP 64-bit) is a useful application from Realtek Semiconductor used as drivers for series RTL8100(L)/RTL8139C(L)+/RTL8139D(L), RTL8139C(L)/RTL8100B(L)/RTL8100C(L), and RTL8139B(L)/RTL8130.

This latest update of Realtek RTL Gigabit and Fast Ethernet NIC Driver (Windows 2000/XP/XP 64-bit) 5.719 (04/01/2009) version was added July 23, 2009 and was released April 1 of the same year. This application works on Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit and Windows 2000.

Realtek RTL Gigabit and Fast Ethernet NIC Driver (Windows 2000/XP/XP 64-bit) is anetwork driver that cost nothing to download so you can use it right away and for as long as you want to. You can download your updated Realtek RTL Gigabit and Fast Ethernet NIC Driver (Windows 2000/XP/XP 64-bit) here to start using its features and experience its benefits today.

The market is full of low-cost notebook that features distinctive glossy display, with 16:9 aspect ratio, as well as 1366×768 resolution. In fact, for no more than $500, you can afford a notebook that has an excellent build, lightweight, a fully functional keyboard as well as long battery life.

However, if you want to optimize the performance of the notebook’s hardware performance, you might want to check them for their latest updates. Some computer systems slow down due to outdated drivers some cases. Therefore, the solution for this problem is definitely this driver scanner. This software is sold for only $29.99, but you can still experience some of its unique features by downloading its free version, keeping your drivers up to date nonetheless.

If your notebook runs on 32 or 64-bit Windows 2000, XP, 2003, NT,Vista or 7, then you shouldn’t have any trouble with the installation. But to make sure that you install this driver update safely, set a system restore point. Here’s a gradual procedure on how to install this generic network driver on your desktop, laptop or notebook.

First, determine your network card device model as well as your operating system. Browse and find the Network Card Drivers then select Belkin Generic Network 4.102.15.61 and wait a while as the driver is being installed. Restart the computer to complete the installation.

Many tech savvy people nowadays consider mobile internet as their lifeline to the world. For the past few years, they rely on Sprint to provide their mobile data connection. For most users, the speed and coverage they received from EVDO rev A capable data card has been satisfying.

A main reason why many people chose Sprint is that it offers “unlimited” data. Verizon, on the other hand had redefined “unlimited” to equal 5GB. Soon Sprint had mandated a 5GB usage cap as well and therefore, Sprint and Verizon have started to charge overages to anyone who exceeds the 5GB limit.

Now, Sprint has advanced in limiting their customers in using their service. The SmartView 1.20.0016 driver update has no release notes or new features. But after you install the software, Sprint has the gall that keeps you from using the connection sharing feature in Mac OS.

The latest SmartView update even disconnects the EVDO connection if a local Wi-Fi connection is established to another device.

Luckily, Mac OS has a supported built-in driver for many EVDO cards. When using the Apple-provided driver, things will keep on working normally. On some laptops, users don’t mind installing Sprint’s SmartView driver updates and are still able to connect, share data, and use Wi-Fi without having much trouble.

Sprint SmartView is developed by Sprint and is used by Software Informer users. The most popular version of this product is 2.5. Executable files included in this program are RunElevated.exe, SprintSV.exe. Reviews for this driver update are not yet released by the informers.

In the meantime, you might want to use its previous version 1.20.0016. You can download this software from this site and create a high-speed Internet connection for your computer anywhere on the Sprint 3G network with your Smartphone as Modem Plan.

Sprint SmartView 1.20.0016 features include one-click activation for supported Apple and Windows devices as well as GPS features and services are provided at the touch of a button for GPS-enabled devices. It also provides easy Sprint Wi-Fi connections anywhere around the world if you grab this plan on a pay-as-you-go basis. It can provide you access to Sprint support services and tools as well through the Application section. Moreover, it lets you modify theEnterprise custom configuration. Simply contact the Sprint Account Manager for more info.

When installing Sprint SmartView on Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista, select the option “Run as Administrator” in order to install this network driver update. This driver was updated February 27, 2009.

The Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro from Colasoft is a tool for MAC address and Internet Protocol address scanning. This detects automatically all subnets based on the configured Internet Protocol addresses on various machine NICs and Internet Protocol addresses and MAC addresses scanning of subnets defined as required. This is CNET download.com’s first release version.

Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro is so simple to use and professional scanner for Internet Protocol for users of Windows and MAC. This product makes the work of network administrators more efficient through local network multithread scanning and MAC addresses list gathering with corresponding Internet Protocol addresses.

With Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro, you can effectively and easily obtain a complete network scan along with relevant data like the manufacturer, host name, internet protocol address, MAC Address and more. This would be very useful for the maintenance of a network and future reference. Also, this works as a useful network tool for checking access of illegal networks through comparison of various scanning results.

Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro brings you an advance user experience because it provides you with very friendly and simple-straight interface. This tool can list both MAC and Internet Protocol addresses with their seconds correlation through sending ARP queries to a specific subnet and listens to the responses of the ARP. The results of scanning can be attached and edited with features appearing where the host is and the user himself.

Scan results can be maintained as database files easily with the database feature of Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro. This can easily recognize alien network equipment which does not belong to your local network by automatically comparing new scan results with the database records.

This latest update of Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro 2.2 Build 315 version was added February 25, 2009 and was released on the 26th of the same month and year. This application works on Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2003 and Windows 2000.

Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro is a network driver free to try and costs $29.95 to purchase. You can download your updated Colasoft MAC Scanner Pro here to start using its features and experience its benefits today.

Individual drivers may be available and manually installed via manufacturer websites at no charge. We recommend our driver update service that will scan your computer for the most current and compatible drivers and provide them in an easy, convenient method. Registration for the full version is only $29.99 USD for 1 full year of driver updates with the option of a second year for just $9.99 USD.

All third party products, brands, or trademarks used herein are for identification purposes only and are the sole property of their respective owner. No affiliation or endorsement is intended or implied. When using a company's driver you will bound to that company's own legal agreement.

We recommend our installer which is a driver system utility for scanning, matching, downloading, and installing verified drivers. Registration for the full version of the installer is only $29.99 USD for 1 full year of driver updates. with the option of a second year for just $9.99 USD. Many drivers may be obtained directly by visiting the websites of the respective manufacturers.